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The patriotic poem We Are a Proud Nation (نحن قوم آبيونا), penned by the esteemed Palestinian intellectual and revolutionary Khalil Al-Sakakini, has been transformed into a musical piece available on YouTube and various streaming platforms. This release follows the screening of The Poem We Sang, a short film by Annie Sakkab, at the Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center on January 21st, commemorating Al-Sakakini’s birthday. The event included an engaging Q&A session with the director, delving into the poem’s cultural and historical significance.

To celebrate the song’s launch, an orchestral performance of We Are a Proud Nation took place two days later at Ramallah’s Forum of Expertise, symbolizing the enduring spirit of Palestinian pride and resistance.

Directed by Annie Sakkab, The Poem We Sang investigates the history and cultural importance of We Are a Proud Nation, a nearly forgotten anthem of Palestinian identity. Inspired by the song her father and uncle sang to her during her childhood, Sakkab reimagines the poem as a gift to Palestine, reclaiming its legacy for future generations. This 20-minute experimental short film combines black-and-white and color visuals to express themes of displacement, longing, and the healing power of art.

Khalil Al-Sakakini’s poetry has long been a cornerstone of Palestinian identity. Written shortly after the Balfour Declaration, We Are a Proud Nation emerged as a rallying cry for resistance. In a letter to his son in 1936, Al-Sakakini prophetically stated, “We are a proud nation… when tyranny persisted, we became mad, and they faced from us what they had never anticipated.” These words continue to resonate deeply in the context of ongoing struggles for justice and freedom.

This dual celebration—featuring both the song and the film—underscores the power of art, poetry, and music in preserving cultural heritage. The events are also being streamed live on the Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center’s digital platforms, providing a global audience the opportunity to connect with the unbreakable bond between memory, music, and homeland.

The Poem We Sang had its world premiere at the Hot Docs International Documentary Festival in Canada and has since been showcased at over 40 international festivals, including the Vancouver Short Film Festival, Toronto Arab Film Festival, and DocEdge. The film has received numerous accolades, including the Jury Special Mention at the Herceg Novi Film Festival and Best Experimental Short Film at the Nazra Short Film Festival.

The film was produced and co-written by Annie Sakkab and Paul Lee in collaboration with B707 Productions. Sakkab also directed, filmed, edited, and narrated the project, featuring performances by Celina and Hanna Sakkab. MAD Distribution manages the film’s sales and distribution in the MENA region, while the National Film Board of Canada oversees its distribution in Canada.

Annie Sakkab, a Palestinian-Jordanian-Canadian filmmaker and photojournalist, is recognized for her long-form narratives that focus on women’s issues, identity, and social justice. Her first short documentary, Hollie’s Dress, premiered at Hot Docs in 2020 and won 15 awards across 48 festivals.